Rod is a journalist. He loves PEI and knows all sorts of hidden nooks and crannies.

Were you born in PEI or are you an Islander by choice?
Neither. I'm more of an Islander by circumstance. I was born in Massachusetts while my parents were working there. My father is an Islander; my mother is from Manchester. They returned to the Island when I was two and I grew up here. I left for Toronto in 1999 and returned in 2015.

How long have you been living in PEI?
Although this most recent stint is nearing 10 years, I have lived on PEI for more than 35 years throughout my life.

Where do you live in PEI?
I live in Charlottetown.

Describe what an average day looks like for you?
In the morning during the school year, I walk my son to school and then get to work for the magazine I work for. I collect story ideas, talk to people and write stories every day. After school, my son joins me at his grandmother's house until his mother is finished working. In the evening, I write and try to find someone for a game of cribbage. If the weather is nice, you will find me at the beach - even if it isn’t nice actually!

What is your favourite thing about life in PEI?
Being near the ocean. When I lived in Toronto (which I also loved), I always felt the one thing the city lacked was access to the sea. Sure,  there is a great big lake there but it's not the same. The ocean is the one thing I really missed. It's beautiful, calming, makes the air smell great and provides some of the best seafood anywhere in the world.

What is something people wouldn't know if they're not from the island?
That Prince Edward Island had prohibition longer than any other jurisdiction in North America. From 1901 until 1948. By comparison, Quebec had total prohibition for less than a year.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?
I am passionate about food, dance and social justice. I enjoy cooking for friends and family and I absolutely love ballroom dancing. 

If you had to choose one spot on the island to take someone who has never been here, where would it be?
The St. Peter's Lighthouse. It's a beautiful spot any time of the year. The lighthouse looks haunted stuck there in the dunes. The beach is also beautiful. It's kind of off the beaten path without being impossible to find, making it a prime picture-taking opportunity.

Any funny facts about yourself or factoids about the Island that you think people should know?
This is going to sound like “two truths and a lie” but there are no fibs here: I am a published poet; I've created and starred in a series of YouTube videos for Ritz Crackers; and I don't like liver.